A CAMPAIGN by parents to build a playground for their children is about to complete its first phase.

The Pity Me Play Park Initiative was formed by parents last October after most of the open space in the Durham City suburb was swallowed up by development.

Earlier this year, Durham City Council agreed to lease land in The Avenue to the group for ten years.

Framwellgate Moor Parish Council donated £6,000 to the project and work to fence off the site began this week. Although there is no equipment, children will be able to use the land as a playing field next week once work is completed.

The group's treasurer, Elaine Burnip, said: "The land has been levelled and re-seeded and once the fencing is done the children will be able to get on there for the first time, in the next few days. When we started out our ambition was to get a playing field ready for the six weeks' holiday so we are right on target.

"We now have to concentrate on raising the money for the play equipment. It is a small piece of land, but we are hoping to put equipment on there for every age group."

The equipment, which will include swings, roundabouts and climbing frames, is expected to cost about £100,000.

So far, the group has raised about £6,000 through a series of activities, ranging from auctions to bungee jumps.

Members are hoping to secure most of the funding from the National Lottery and are also in the process of applying for charitable status.

Yesterday, staff at McDonald's in the Prince Bishops Centre donated a cheque for £500.

The initiative has secured support from other local businesses, including Siemens, Sainsbury's and Caf Rock.

Events held at The Salutation pub, in Framwellgate Moor, raised about £1,700.

Mrs Burnip said: "Because of all the hard work the committee has put in, people are really getting behind the initiative.

"We are finally doing something for ourselves and it seems to be bringing a lot of community spirit back into Pity Me."